Before going to moving straight to the topic let's understand what an nft is and what minting is.

What is an NFT(Non-fungible Token)?

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are cryptocurrencies that do not possess the property of fungibility. An NFT can be:

• Art

• Video

• In-game token

• Audio files

• Collectible items

Who can create an NFTs?

Anyone who has the ability to create a digital file can mint an NFT.

An item be it, be it physical or digital that is unique means non-replaceable and exists as one of it's kind is Non-fungible.

A time here is nothing but the term used for currency in the block chain, the technology supporting NFTs.

What is Minting?

In cryptocurrency, minting is a decentralized method that enables a person to generate a new token without the involvement of a central authority, such as the government or the bank. It can either be a non-fungible token or a crypto coin.

How to mint an NFT?

The processes of mining and staking are used to mint cryptocurrency, but minting an NFT is a different procedure. NFTs are added to the Ethereum blockchain and are utilized by creators to sell their photos, videos, and digital 3D objects.

To mint an NFT, users need a cryptocurrency wallet with Ethereum in it. Then, they sign up using their cryptocurrency wallet on an NFT marketplace, such as Opensea and create their NFT by uploading their desired file and paying for the creation in terms of ETH. Once the transaction is verified, a new NFT is minted.

Minting can refer to different methods for creating different tokens. The most widespread use of the word minting means creating new cryptocurrency coins using the Proof-of-Stake method.

How to mint an NFT for free?

Let's start with the best place to mint your NFTs. Here I'll be dividing them into three categories:

• Ethereum with Application/Acceptance: A lot of sites require artists to be accepted in attempts to keep spam down and quality high

• Ethereum where anyone can mint: Sites where anyone can mint, no application required

• Non-Ethereum: Since Ethereum takes the spotlight now, all other blockchains will be placed in the same category

Ethereum with Acceptance

• Maker's place

• Super rare

• Async art

• Nifty gateway

• Foundation

• Known Origin

Ethereum where anyone can mint

• Open sea (gas fee required minting)

• Rarible (free or gas fee minting)

• Mintable.app (free minting)

Non-Ethereum blockchain to mint

• WAX

• Enjin

• Forge

• Poly.gon(Matic)

• Binance Smart Chain

• Texas

• Cardano

• MISC.

Rarible

Rarible has introduced a new ‘lazy minting’ feature that neither asks you to pay gas fees nor write a smart contract. You can now mint a free NFT by using short lines of codes provided by Raible. This next step aimed to improve the platform's sustainability by eliminating the need for an Ethereum blockchain and unnecessary transactions. Hence, there is no upfront cost required to monetize your creation

How does lazy-minting work?

The traditional way to create an NFT requires users to mint it to the Ethereum blockchain. Doing so requires a gas fee to be paid right away, which is costly. However, the new lazy minting feature lets users skip the minting process when creating NFTs, which is then done while making a purchase. This means the buyers will pay the fees instead of the seller.

So unless an NFT is purchased, it is listed on the marketplace and the data remains stored on IPFS (decentralized storage). While creating an NFT, you will sign the  “minting authorizations” with your wallet, which is free and guarantees your ownership rights so that your creations remain in your control.

To mint a free NFT on Rarible using the lazy minting option, follow these steps:

• Go to the Rarible.com website

• Click on 'create'

• Choose the wallet of your choice

• Choose the type of listing of your NFT

• Enter the required information

• Select the “Free minting” option

• And lastly, tap on the “Create Item” button and sign free authorizations with your wallet.

When a buyer purchases your NFT, it will be automatically minted and transferred to the new owner. Isn’t that simple?

If you wish to burn the lazy minted NFT, you will need to pay the gas fee as with the regular NFTs.

NB: The lazy minting functionality is available for Rarible default collection only. It will be applied for owned collections soon.

Mintable

Mintable is another convenient platform for traders finding cheaper ways to create or sell their NFTs. Surprisingly, it gives users a free creation process that requires zero fees for creating or listing NFTs for sale, making it a much more promising option for young and broke traders.

Mintable has created a suitable platform for artists looking for zero investment and higher gains. With its zero minting fees, it can soon become the top-visited marketplace. One more fact that might be the reason for its low traffic is the lengthy registration process which may annoy users. It might be a less user-friendly website, but it does offer NFT creators a free minting and sale process.

Mintable is offering its online customers a free minting process for creating NFT. If you want to have a free NFT, then go follow the following steps:

• Visit this site https://mintable.app/. Also, keep in mind that the internet is full of scammers and data breaches. So make sure the site you are visiting is authentic.

• Then, you need to sign up to access the website. Follow the given procedure to make your account on Mintable.

• After the sign-up is completed, log in and click on “Mint.”

• Select “Create a new item” when the pop-up appears on the screen

• Then you will see another pop-up that will offer you an easy or advanced way for minting NFT. You have to choose between the available options.

• After choosing the easy way, the website will ask you to connect your wallet. The most preferred wallet remains MetaMask, so connect it if you already have it.

• Fill in the details of your NFT and upload the item you want to tokenize. You can choose from a variety of types. The item can be an image, audio, document, or even a ZIP file. Also, you will be required to add a preview of the item you want to upload, followed by filling in the description of the same item.

• Then, choose if the copyright is transferred with the purchase.

• Be it a fixed price, auction, or auction with buy now, select how you want to sell it. Auction with buy now means buyers can immediately purchase a token set for a special price regardless of the competition.

• After completing all of the above steps, click on the “List This Item” button.

• Then, you will be required to sign this transaction with Metamask, which is free.

• After the signing step, your NFT will be listed and available for purchase at Mintable Gasless Shop. You can boost the sale on the NFT page as well.

Thank you guys for reading!